The Link Between Smell Loss and Over 130 Medical Conditions—and How Smell Training Can Help Recovery

Recent research has revealed that the loss of the sense of smell—referred to as smell loss or olfactory dysfunction—is linked to a staggering 139 medical conditions. This finding highlights a surprising connection between smell loss and medical conditions ranging from neurological diseases to inflammatory issues. For people recovering from Covid, flu, or other health events that have led to smell loss, this research underscores the critical role that the sense of smell plays in overall health. Fortunately, smell training may offer a way to aid recovery.

How Smell Loss Affects Health

The loss of smell is often seen as an inconvenience, but studies show that smell loss can be an early indicator of serious conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and various respiratory illnesses. A recent study from the University of California – Irvine, conducted in partnership with the Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities, reveals that smell loss is frequently accompanied by inflammation, which is a common factor in many diseases. According to Professor Emeritus Michael Leon, who led the research with colleagues Cynthia Woo and Emily Troscianko, “pleasant scents can decrease inflammation.” This suggests that smell training could help reduce inflammation and improve health outcomes.

For individuals recovering from Covid or other viral infections, this news is significant. Research shows that olfactory dysfunction is linked not only to neurological conditions but also to other inflammatory conditions. In fact, the sense of smell may act as a “warning signal” for these broader health issues.

What Is Smell Training, and How Can It Help?

Smell training, also known as olfactory training, involves repeatedly smelling specific scents to encourage neural pathways in the brain to “reconnect” with the olfactory system. For people affected by smell loss, smell training can be a beneficial step towards recovery. Professor Leon’s previous research has demonstrated that repeated exposure to pleasant smells—what we might call “olfactory enrichment”—can significantly improve memory in older adults. In fact, it was found to boost memory by as much as 226 percent, showing that smell training may benefit brain health.

At Scent Recover, we provide smell training kits with carefully selected scents to support people on their recovery journey. Our kits are designed to simplify smell training and make it easy for individuals to start practising at home. Explore our smell training kits here.

Smell Loss as an Early Indicator of Disease

The study’s findings underline the importance of smell awareness, especially since olfactory decline is often one of the first symptoms in conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. When the ability to smell diminishes, it may not just affect one’s enjoyment of food or fresh flowers but could also serve as a critical warning sign for deeper health problems. Because smell loss and memory are closely connected, a change in olfactory health can directly impact daily life and social connections.

Tracking the links between smell loss and over 130 medical conditions was no small feat, as Professor Leon noted. However, by showing that olfactory dysfunction is tied to inflammation—a central factor in many diseases—the study emphasises the need for healthcare providers to consider smell health as part of routine health monitoring.

How Smell Training Could Shape Future Treatments

While therapies for smell loss are still relatively new, their potential is rapidly gaining attention. Smell training, in particular, has shown promise in reducing inflammation and improving olfactory function. By regularly practising smell training with a variety of scents, it may be possible to retrain the brain to recognise smells and even prevent some inflammatory responses. This research could help shape new approaches to health management, allowing smell training to play a larger role in treating inflammatory and neurological conditions.

Professor Leon and his research team are now developing a device that can deliver therapeutic scents, aiming to make olfactory therapy a viable option for those with smell-related health concerns. Future studies may expand the scope of olfactory therapies and explore their impact on a wider range of medical conditions linked to inflammation.

Why Smell Awareness Matters

Our sense of smell is more than just an accessory to our other senses—it’s essential for both mental and physical health. Smell loss, which can happen due to age, illness, or environmental factors, has the potential to affect overall well-being in significant ways. From helping to maintain a strong memory to signalling underlying health issues, the sense of smell is central to good health.

If you or someone you know is experiencing smell loss, consider trying smell training as part of a recovery plan. At Scent Recover, our smell training kits are crafted to support olfactory health by providing the tools you need for smell training at home. Discover our smell training kits here.